How to Burn a DVD File

A DVD file is generally a movie data container unit that makes use of the VOB file extension and is normally stored in the directory folder VIDEO_TS with a corresponding separate directory folder for its audio stream and subtitle files loaded simultaneously by the multimedia player application. This video file usually makes use of the MPEG-2 system stream formatting which requires majority of multimedia players to install the appropriate plug-in module to use this file. For standalone DVD players; however, it is necessary to use an authoring software application prior to burning the DVD file on a DVD disc to make sure that all components (video, audio, and subtitle if any) will be accurately read by the standalone device. In this guide, it is assumed that the DVD file has already been authored and only needs to be transferred to a DVD media disc to be played either on the computer system or a standalone DVD player.

One of the most commonly used burning software applications in the market is Nero. Of course, there are a host of other similar tools which can also accomplish the same task with relatively the same quality. To begin burning the DVD file using the freeware utility ImgBurn, go to Step 9. If you have Nero installed, proceed to the next step.

Step 2

Open Nero and close the wizard window if it launches.

Step 3

Select the 'File' menu and click on the 'New' option to open the New Compilation window.

Step 4

Make sure that DVD is chosen in the box at the upper left-hand corner. Otherwise, click on the down arrow to select DVD. For systems using multiple DVD drives, make sure that the correct one is chosen.

Step 5

From the option list in the window underneath it, click on the 'DVD-VIDEO' option and click on the 'New' button.

Step 6

Navigate to the VIDEO_TS folder and click on all the VOB, BUP, and IFO files stored in the directory location. Remember to load only these file types and nothing more.

Step 7

Click on the 'File' menu and select the 'Write CD' option. In the Write dialog box, make sure there is a check in the box for the 'Write' option. Click on the 'Write' button at the upper right-hand corner to begin the burning process.

Step 8

A progress bar will be displayed while the data is being transferred to the DVD disc. Upon completion, the drive will eject the disc and a corresponding message will be displayed to the user. Remove the authored disc and close all open windows to finish the process.

Step 9

Open the Web browser to download and install the ImgBurn software from the http://www.afterdawn.com/software/cdr_software/cdr_tools/imgburn.cfm website.

Step 10

Upon completion of the installation process, open ImgBurn. The start page will be displayed along with the Welcome screen. Click on the 'Write files/folders to disc' option.

Step 11

This will load the Build Mode. Add the necessary files or folders to the compilation. Normally, this would include dragging and dropping the VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS folders into the source box. A calculator function automatically executes to inform the user of the disc space to be occupied by the source file on the blank DVD media.

Step 12

Click on the Device Settings and locate the manufacturer compatible with your installed DVD burner. Click on the 'Change' button and click on 'OK'.

Step 13

Select the 'Options' tab. Make sure that the File System is defined as ISO9660 + UDF and that the 'Recurse Subdirectories' option is marked.

Step 14

Under the 'Labels' tab, provide a name for the compiled DVD and the rest of the Volume Identifier fields if necessary. This is an optional step.